Movie Reviews & Interviews from Washington

Top 10 Films of 2013 (So Far)

It’s been a surprisingly good year for film so far. There were so many incredible films that came out last year, that I knew 2013 would have a lot to live up to! Now that we’ve reached the middle of the year, I like to take a look back and decide which films I enjoyed the most and which films were the worst or most disappointing.

Between a group of girls gone wild, a uniquely told superhero story, a perfect Pixar prequel and one of the best novel adaptations I’ve ever seen, its been an exciting year in film…so far!

As always, thanks for reading!
-Lauren

Top 10 Films of 2013 (So Far)

10. The Bling Ring– The more I thought about this film, the more I loved it. Sofia Coppola’s film has sparked several discussions and created mixed reactions from critics and audience members, which happens to many great films. The soundtrack is excellent and Israel Broussard shines as the film’s star.

9. The Place Beyond the Pines– Composed of three acts, Derek Clanfrance’s film stars Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes, all in Oscar-worthy performances. The two-hour and 20 minute film is worth every bit of your time.

8. The Way Way Back– Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s (screenwriters of The Descendants) film is the indie hit of the summer. Sam Rockwell is incredible and Steve Carell surprises. I loved this movie.

7. Star Trek Into Darkness– It may not be as good as the first, but Benedict Cumberbatch is flawless as the villain and gives one of the best performances of the year.

6. Monsters University– My favorite animated film of the year so far! Pixar’s prequel to Monsters Inc. has just as much charm and is probably one of the funniest films I’ve seen all year. Just adorable.

5. Man of Steel– Perhaps the most divisive film of the summer, maybe even of the year, Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot is the ultimate combination of action-packed fun and tons of heart. Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe and the rest of the cast were pitch-perfect in their roles.

4. Much Ado About Nothing– A Joss Whedon fan’s dream come true! How could you not love a film where the casts of Angel, Firefly, Cabin in the Woods and The Avengers unite and make a Shakespeare comedy!

3. Warm Bodies– I saw this film twice in theatres and watched my Blu-ray at least three times by now. (The commentary featuring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer and Jonathan Levine on the Blu is awesome!) This is a must see for any zombie story fanatic and science fiction romance lover. Hoult is just lovely as the zombie R.

2. Spring Breakers– This film is most likely to be misunderstood, with people going in, thinking they are going to see one thing and leaving having seen something completely different. James Franco gives one of the best performances of the year as Alien and Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens leave their Disney comfort zone for director Harmony Korine’s insane story. Even if the film isn’t your type, it’s at least worth a watch!

1. The Great Gatsby– I saw this film twice in 3D and once in 2D. It’s easily my favorite film of the year. Baz Luhrmann’s unique vision captures the major themes of Fitzgerald’s beloved novel and Leonardo DiCaprio is the most perfect Gatsby. Carey Mulligan brings us a new, more relatable Daisy and the two’s chemistry is impeccable. Lana Del Ray’s enchanting song “Young and Beautiful” has to be the most appropriately used song in movies all year. I can’t wait for this Blu-ray!

Worst Films of 2013 (So Far)

5. Admission– This film was a mess because it didn’t know what it wanted to be: a comedy, romance or drama. There is nothing wrong with having multiple genres in one film, but when you are trying to please everyone in the audiences, it doesn’t always work. Oh, it also made the wonderful Tina Fey look like a bad actor.

4. A Haunted House– Marlon Wayans first films has it’s funny moments, but runs too long and succumbs to a mixture of horror/comedy cliches.

3. Texas Chainsaw 3D– Trey Songz (who I liked in the film) has his real-life song playing in the background in one of his scenes. So dumb. Even for a horror film, the story was too far-fetched and goofy.

2. Movie 43– A complete and utter mess, although I must admit I liked the outrageous scene with Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet. The rest of the film is a 0/5.

1. Identity Thief– I remember just sitting in the movie theatre, hating every minute that came after the first 20 minutes of the film. A complete waste of Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman’s comedic talents. The screenplay was awful and the characters too annoying to watch and root for.